My Mission

About Me

My understanding of Executive Functioning stems, in part, from my diverse experiences in education (some of which can be found on my LinkedIn page). I have:

• launched a tutoring business at age 15, teaching math to up to 10 middle and high schoolers weekly

• continued tutoring throughout my time at Tufts University as a Biology major

• earned a Master’s in education at Stanford, with courses in child development, learning differences, and curriculum & instruction

• taught 9th grade Biology, integrating EF supports into a project-based curriculum, supporting students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and ASD

• directed grades K-9 after school & summer education programs for neurodiverse students, at Acera School and Carroll School

• trained with Sarah Ward to deepen my knowledge of EF skills and strategies

In all of these contexts I have witnessed the prominent role that executive functioning plays in a person’s ability to be successful, whether as a student, camp counselor, teacher, or administrator.

I’ve also honed an effective, road-tested EF toolkit through my own personal journey from executive dysfunction to a thriving life. For many years I struggled with the impacts of undiagnosed ADHD, and carried internalized stigma, shame, and self-judgment regarding my executive function challenges. These struggles showed up in observable ways that will likely feel familiar to your family: 

• as a young student, I spaced out and ate lunch so slowly that I ran out of time to play

• in classes, I socialized instead of paying attention to the task or teacher

• my school desk, backpack, and room were a series of “piles” that made sense only to me

• I procrastinated on most things and was chronically late

• I had trouble regulating my emotions and was often overwhelmed

• I was afraid and embarrassed to ask for help

But gradually, I made progress. At each new turn & set of challenges, I sought out and experimented with new tools, evaluated the effectiveness of my systems, and leveled up my skills to accomplish goals. The biggest leaps in my EF skills happened when there was someone like a coach who could teach explicit strategies, hold me accountable, and help me build self-awareness and set goals - such as my science teaching coach when I was a struggling new teacher. 

Self-directed goals also powerfully motivated me to grow my executive functioning skills. In high school, my tutoring business and other clubs & activities were vital to my sense of a fun and fulfilling life. A natural consequence of committing myself to personally meaningful activities was that I then had to figure out how to show up to them, on time and prepared.

Over time, I evolved my personal executive functioning toolkit to include:

• setting personally meaningful goals

• mentally rehearsing tasks in the future

• anticipating obstacles and preparing plans A, B, C…

• google calendar

• paper checklists

• weekly “huddle” to turn over tasks from week to week

• time management tools like Pomodoro & “Time Timer”

• extrinsic motivation supports such as self-chosen rewards

• accountability partners who help me stick to goals, at work and personally

Now, I am an Executive Function Coach because I feel called to help others who are on the same journey. I know from personal experience that this learning sticks when the client feels ownership over the process, working at their own pace and building on their strengths. Through coaching, I engage my clients in a creative process of self discovery and experimentation, and empower them to create a way of self management that fits just right. 

Ready to connect? Let’s talk: efcoachfaith@gmail.com